Stretch the 2012 Ford E-Series E-250 van to some 236.4 inches in overall length (though still hunched on the standard 138-inch wheelbase), and check out the E-Series E-250 Ext. This three-quarter-ton cargo van accommodates only a driver and front passenger, but can tote 278.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the captain’s-chair front seats or 319.1 cubic feet when the passenger seat is removed. A pair of V8 powerplants, a standard rear-wheel drivetrain (RWD) and plenty of options are also offered with this jumbo van.
The standard powertrain in Ford’s boxy beast of burden is a 4.6-liter Flex-Fuel V8 engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. Expect 225 hp and 286 lb-ft of torque, 6,100 pounds of towing capacity (with the proper equipment, including the available 4.1 rear axle ratio) and 13 mpg city/17 highway from this somewhat undersized V8.
Available to the stretched-out E-Series E-250 Ext, however, is a 5.4-liter FFV V8 that again combines with the 4-speed automatic for 255 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. An available 5-speed automatic transmission can be fitted to this brute, possibly mitigating, marginally, this powerplant’s estimated mileage of 12/16. Towing, meantime, is maxed out at some 7,300 pounds with the proper equipment, including an available 4.1 rear axle ratio.
Those who revel in luxury appointments will be sorely disappointed in the 2012 E-Series E-250 Ext’s Spartan cabin. Vinyl upholstery, tilt-wheel steering, 16-inch steel wheels, air conditioning and an AM/FM radio with 2 speakers constitutes the bulk of notable standard features aboard this workhorse.
Options, on the other hand, abound, with such working-class offerings as Ford’s Work Solutions and Crew Chief strutting a dash-mounted computer with mobile Internet, and various vehicle tracking solutions, respectively. Meanwhile more prosaic extras include a towing package with or without an integrated trailer brake controller, as well as customizable upfitter switches, numerous bin, drawer and shelving options, and added sound insulation.
For those that just have to have more appearance, comfort and convenience add-ons, there are full power accessories, alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, cruise control and upgraded audio, including a single-CD player with 6 speakers and satellite radio. Additionally, the available Sync voice-activated audio and communications system can be delivered with the E-250 Ext, augmented with a hard-drive-based navigation suite and up to a 1-year complementary subscription. All these options, by the way, can be delivered in either package form or as standalone items.
Finally, standard safety equipment includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, and a post-collision safety system. Optional safety and security features, meantime, include rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera, as well as Ford’s E-Guard cargo protection system and a passive remote antitheft alarm.
4 GOOD DEALS
are available with average savings of $1,895 below market price
